(PRODUCT OF MY ENVIRONMENT/ACT II)

As we begin to uncover the second act of this deeply rich series of albums, we need to recognise and reflect on how important and immersive the first one was! The level of care and respect he showed to not only the artists but the production as well, and in this light, I had nothing but high expectations that this would be similar in execution!

The brand-new and second act of a four-part series that includes production by KHEYZINE and features by literally the who’s who of the underground! This time around, we have names such as

-NOWARE FAST

-WILLIE MAYS BLAZE

-YUKA

-HERE’S JOHNNY

-ALIKHO IGAMA

-MANTIS THE MIASMA

-WULXRDSHAKIM

-MAC MONTANA 

-PRIEST CLAY

-DREEGO

-MONZY THE TERRIBLE

-ICEBURG SNUB

Already right off the bat (if we are looking from the intro song), it’s vastly different than how we started things on the last one! If you remember, the first one had a heavy metal instrumental with a sporadic rapper! On this one, we start things off with an ambient/lo-fi/sci-fi jazz-type instrumental featuring a rapper that’s a lot more methodical and weary of the beats!

Maybe there’s a reason for this switch-up in the intro? Maybe the heavier intro for ACT I represented something significant for Khey, while ACT II’s interlude represents something more substantial and meaningful? Or maybe it’s just random placement; either way, it’s an interesting change-up!

Once again, KHEYZINE utilises his production to his utmost legendary quality, giving us a masterclass in how to create a compelling record that is equal parts grand, powerful, and vivid. It’s as if the music speaks through you, takes over your body, and gives you sonic goosebumps that you’ll want to revisit time and time again!

I love what he did with the instrumentals on this one; it feels a lot more ‘classical’ and ‘larger than life’ in the way the sounds feel! 

As if I was listening to KHEYZINE live sample a 1950’s event with live jazz/ballroom music and then infused it with hip hop, it’s truly a magnificent experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out tomorrow and said there was an actual band behind him and he was just pulling off a Miles Davis and just working on the spot with the band in front of him (a call back to when Miles apparently free-formed the soundtrack to that French movie). 

But regardless, these beats are rich, vibrant, in-depth, and ever so glorious. If there’s anything KHEYZINE can be accused of, it’s being meticulous, and he shows that in spades across this new batch of tracks for ACT II!

Now onto the rapping. Once again, this is full of names I’ve heard and others I haven’t. But just like the other ACT, this one doesn’t disappoint in the performance section. 

Although I will say this, just like there was a drastic change in our this and ACT I started, I’ll say instead of having the production feel like an extension of the MC’s this time around it just sounded like the collection of rappers were given dope beats to rap hot verses off! 

So not exactly hand-crafted for them but more confidence in the roster to pull off bangers and in a way that makes the verses feel more authentic and special when you know they can go off on whatever Khey could throw to them!

Because these spitters absolutely MURDER the beats! I didn’t find any I disliked, they all left me thoroughly impressed and wanting more!

From that smooth opening to the performances from members like -Here’s Johnny whose organic aggression and rawness on the beats come back in spades as he drops personal and gritty bars that hit you right in the feels! Always a personal favourite of mine!

The MC -MANTIS THE MIASMA was someone I’ve never heard until now, but he left an impression on me as well! He had a certain confidence and charisma in his style that I held on to! Dope lyricism as well!

Actually speaking of the MC -YUKA another one I haven’t heard before impressed me with his combination of both free lance ‘splash’ style and somehow keeps it on the beat. He’s quite the anomaly with his performance and that made him stand out that much more! I loved the beat he was on as well, felt like an animated James Bond type track, super dope!

The other one that truly stood out to me was the outro track MC -ICEBURG SNUB a man I actually do fuck with heavy and have history with! 

This man brought his trademark charismatic and fluent style that is both sharp and elegant. I love his performance style, the way he can flip words and manipulate the beats to suit him best! That combined with his natural aura and I feel he was a sick choice to close the record off with!

Overall, another stunning ACT to absorb. The fact KHEYZINE just casually dropped 4 incredible albums in this format is testimony to his skills and worth as a producer and composer. I have no doubt the the next 2 will be equally incredible! Stay tuned and support with this link below! 

https://kheyzine.bandcamp.com/album/kheyzine-product-of-my-environment-act-ii